SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Thursday, March 02 2017 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Judge Dale Pederson: Been There, Done That

Dale Pederson
 Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

By Britney Grover

Judges are the unsung heroes of the hunter world. The amount of knowledge and dedication required to be a good judge is astounding, encompassing a lifetime of equestrian experience and intense show schedules sending them all over the country. While they put themselves at risk of being the object of skepticism from unhappy competitors, without them, the sport couldn’t exist.

Dale Pederson is one such dedicated and skilled judge. He has been judging hunter-jumper shows since 1980, but Dale’s been hooked on horses since he was 13 years old and a friend’s birthday party included a 30-minute trail ride. From then on, he found ways to ride, whether it was eventing, showing hunters or jumping. After finishing school and spending six years at a desk job, Dale set out to be a professional horseman in California. He added training, breeding, coaching and finally judging and being a clinician to his skillset.

In 1982, Dale moved to the San Diego area and started Granite Hill Farm in Valley Center, California, where he still trains a few horses. Since acquiring his judging license in 1980, Dale has judged most every major horse show in the country, including the Winter Equestrian Festival, Washington International Horse Show, Pony Finals, the Hampton Classic and more. When he’s not judging, Dale enjoys traveling to Africa with his partner, Jim. Sidelines had the pleasure of getting to know more about such a kind and experienced equestrian.

Dale Pederson on The Gray Sage, preliminary event horse in Woodside, California, 1982

How did you get started with horses?

After that birthday party where I got my first taste of riding, I was hooked and determined to have my own horse and learn how to ride it. I worked as a busboy at a local restaurant and saved enough money for my first horse: Trudy, a black Thoroughbred mare. They told me she was 12 but it turned out she was much older and I lost her after a year, so I got a horse that could do a little bit of everything from Western to English. I started competing on the local show circuit in northern Washington State, where I’m from. In 1970, I even won the Northwest Border Zone hunt seat equitation finals. After my first year of college, I moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where I went to school and worked as a waiter. One of the chefs and I got to talking about horses, and we decided that we’d buy a horse together and I’d do the hunters and jumpers and he’d ride dressage. That led to becoming an event rider and competing anytime I could. I was successful with a couple of good horses and worked my way up the levels. I finished school, got a full-time job and rode whenever I could.

How did you become a professional equestrian?

I worked at a steel rolling door company, in the accounting department. It was a good job. I worked 9–5 and rode in the mornings before work and in the evenings as well. Anytime I had a spare minute, it was dedicated to riding. I was able to show other peoples’ horses and it soon became too much to do both. In 1978, I had an opportunity to move to the East Coast and was able to do even more riding, so I packed up my things and moved to Rhode Island. After a year there, I went to North Carolina and was introduced to the world of hunters and jumpers on a much higher level. I was able to attend indoors and really get to know a lot more about how the business worked, and do as much riding as I could. Missing the West Coast, I moved back to California and went to work for an owner who had bred far too many horses and needed to get them broke, going and sold. That was a real eye opener, and I worked very hard. At the same time, I became friends with John and Lumpy Charlebois and rode some sale horses for them. John thought that I had a great eye for a horse and insisted that I apply for my judging license, which I did and received my “r” in 1980.

Dale riding Future 2, a Hanoverian stallion, for the breeder as part of getting his breeding approval

What was competing like for you?

Competing was always exciting for me, but I’ll admit I was a bit of a nervous rider when it got time to head out cross-country, ride and remember a dressage test or jumper course, or ride a hunter round. I always wanted everything to be perfect, and that may have kept me from doing more as a show rider. I found my niche in training, riding the sales horses and teaching.

What was your training experience like?

We started a lot of off-the-track Thoroughbreds in the ’80s and ’90s. I really loved doing that. I learned a lot from so many people. I rode a lot of sale horses for Nancy Nordstom in the early ’80s, and she really got me going. I’d run into problems now and then with certain horses and always looked for help from my many knowledgeable friends. Margie Hough was a great friend of mine and she was always my “go-to” person when I had a question or a problem I didn’t know how to deal with. Joey Darby was another friend that I got help from when needed and both would come to my place and tutor me on my own sale horses. I made up some good horses that went on to be top winners in the show ring.

Dale on Go For It Champ, a Quarter Horse gelding he trained for a breeder

How did you get into breeding?

Since I couldn’t go out and buy myself a fancy warmblood when the craze got started, I decided to breed a few of my own. I was lucky to get ahold of a couple of good mares and had some success breeding, raising and starting a few. But as all of us that have bred horses for profit have learned, there is no profit. Yes, I sold a couple for what I thought was good money, but if you add up all the time you spend, you’ll soon learn that your hourly wage is next to nothing. It sure was fun having the babies around, though, and I still have one broodmare that I breed — a medium pony imported from New Zealand who has given me some beautiful babies that are out showing now. It’s so fun to hear when they do well.

Dale and Bobbie Reber judging the Hunter Derby at Lamplight, Dale’s favorite judging experience. “The place was gorgeous, the jumps were beautiful, the footing perfect. The brunch was amazing and Bobbie and I looked at each other and said, ‘I can’t believe we are getting paid to do this.’ It was a memorable day with breathtaking rounds and plenty of scores in the 90s that Bobbie and I agreed on every time. What a day to remember.”
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

What’s your favorite thing about judging?

I love judging horse shows and have been lucky enough to judge some of the greatest shows we have today. For me, it’s a little bit of giving back to the business that’s been so good to me. There’s nothing better than watching a good group of horses compete in a class where you get to decide which horse is the most talented, well-trained, nicely turned out and overall, the one you really want to see earn the blue ribbon. Yes, I’ve seen a lot of bad rounds in my life, as have all judges who judge as much as I do, but when you see that special trip, it makes it all worth it. I get as excited as anyone when a horse jumps the first jump and you think to yourself, Wow, let’s see more of that! I also don’t mind judging the Short Stirrup or beginner ring, as you get to see the future of the sport. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a rider while judging in the equitation and said, “This kid is going to be a great rider.” Kent Farrington is a great example. I judged him in the equitation at a show near Chicago as a junior and thought to myself, This kid is a talented one.

Why do you do clinics?

My real passion is to teach. I really enjoy teaching, and feel that I have a good approach and the ability to communicate with the riders. When I do a clinic, the first thing that I tell my students is, “If I’m able to teach you one thing that will help you with your riding, I’ve done my job. Hopefully, I’ll teach you more than one thing, but if you go away from my clinic a better, more knowledgeable rider, then I’m happy.” In my clinics, I try to incorporate the judging side of riding whenever possible and teach the “do’s and don’ts” of showing from the judge’s perspective.

What was the funniest horse moment you’ve ever had?

Being drenched by the water truck from head to toe while judging and wearing a nice suit and tie.

Dale, Jim and Bobbie Rebber in South Africa — Dale’s favorite place to visit.

What one “old fashioned” hunter trend would you like to see return?

No bling. It’s all about the horse.

What’s your favorite tack store item to shop for?

Gloves. And they’re now making lots of different styles for men. Fun!

What’s the best feeling you’ve ever had?

Judging a big class and knowing that you got it just right.

If you could tell every hunter rider in the country one thing, what would it be?

Use the entire ring and don’t go too slow.

What horse, past or present, would you most like to ride just once?

Bases Loaded. That horse looked so cool to ride when I judged him. He jumped so high, and so well, and I’d really have liked to experience riding a horse that has that much talent with so little effort. I think I could have stayed on.

Dale with an elephant in South Africa.

How did you meet your partner?

Jim and I were introduced by mutual friends. We’d known of each other for years but had never met. I’d spoken to him on the phone a few times, but still our paths never crossed until December 1982 when I was passing through Southern California and stayed at a friend’s place that was close to Jim. I called him to ask if we could meet for dinner or a drink, and the rest is history. He wasn’t a horse person and I liked that just fine. He was a brilliant guy — a zoologist, the director of the San Diego Zoo.

How did Jim’s work bring exotic animals into your life?

Jim was the director of the San Diego Zoo for 39 years. As the director, you oversee all the different departments as far as the animal collection is concerned. It was important to Jim for people to see animals that you might not see in other collections, so that they could learn more about exotic animals: where they come from and their habitats. Even though we only have six acres, we managed to have quite a collection of exotics here at our place. Whenever anyone came to look at a horse, they’d get the tour.

What do you like about traveling?

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel with Jim all over the world in the last 34 years. I’ve learned so much about animals and birds. It’s wonderful to travel with a guide that knows about every animal or bird you see. How many people do you know that have been to Siberia? Jim wanted to go to Lake Baikal to see the only freshwater seal in existence, and that was a wild and crazy ride for sure. We travel to Africa often, as it’s our favorite place to visit and you could never see it all. Each trip is different, and since 2002, we’ve gone every other year to some place in Africa, taking friends of mine with us so that they can enjoy the scenery with the best guide on the planet. There’s nothing like seeing the look on a good friend’s face when they see their first lion, elephant or other wild animal in nature. It’s so cool. Sometimes I feel like I’m more excited for them than they are for themselves.

Joey Darby and Dale judging the Devon Horse Show in 2006.
Photo by The Book LLC

What goals do you have for the future?

To continue to be the best judge I can be; to be fair, pay attention, and always award the best jumper. Also, to stay current, as the industry is changing like everything else, with science and technology. Through my clinics, teach the young people that horsemanship is important and that all young people should be able to do everything with their horses: groom, wrap, braid, tack up. I also plan to do some volunteer work. I haven’t decided just what that’s going to be, but most likely something to do with children and hunger. Too many children go to bed hungry in this world and that’s a travesty. We need to figure out how to spread the food around worldwide. We all know how much food is wasted every day in our country, yet people are still dying of starvation. Something needs to be done. The right spot for me will show up at the right time, whether it’s here in the U.S.A. or some faraway place. I’d like to make a difference if possible.

All photos courtesy of Dale Pederson, unless otherwise noted

 

 

 

 

 

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: britney grover, dale pederson, hunter, judge, jumper, q&a

What you can read next

Allen Nabors: Leaving Hollywood for Horses         
The Spectacular Life of Fernanda Kellogg
Hannah Childs and Style Stock: Trending Upward

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Kristin Lee Photography
    kristinleephotography.com kristin@kristinleephotography.com 805-428-3356 @kristinleephotollc

    [Read more]

  • Welsh Pony Cross Stallion - Boca’s Entourage
    Boca’s Entourage (EMC Entourage x Lands End Poseidon) 2016 Black 12.1 Pony Stallion Premier Pony Hunter Stallion Correct Confirmation, Balanced Canter & Floating Trot Stud Fee $1,000. Collection and Shipping $250. www.PoniesandPalms.com 561-756-4442

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!